The Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel and Spa

Location: Redcliffe Hill, Bristol
Date of stay: Wednesday 27 May 2015 
Duration of stay: 1 Night 
Room type: Classic Double 
Average cost: £115 per night (with breakfast) 
My rating: 3.5* 

Checking into a hotel less than 5 miles from one's house may seem like a pointless exercise and yet, when immediate escapism is required, it's the perfect fix. Cue, Accor Hotels', Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel and Spa* which incidentally is the most long-winded name for an establishment I've ever heard - it's almost as if there was an unsettled dispute regarding what to call it that resulted in someone deciding to include every single suggestion! That said, its-well kept interior and accommodating workforce initiate what can certainly be described as a comfortable stay. Although its decor is fresh and contemporary, furnishings are purpose-built rather than plush and the family-friendly policy that is undeniably at the core of this hotel seems to negate any exclusivity that may have otherwise existed; that is, in light of the on-site spa and mood-lit pool.

Check-in was quick and efficient and despite rocking up a good hour prior to the prescribed 2:00pm arrival time, my room was already available. This was a reasonably-proportioned double for one with a queen-sized bed dressed with soft sheets and stacked with pillows. Additional features included a sizable flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a (pretty powerful) hairdryer and good old trouser press. As the mini bar was uninvitingly empty, I essentially had a rather large fridge at my disposal which I filled, somewhat hastily, with snacks and alcohol from the local Co-op...well it would have been rude not to! The bathroom was clean and functional with a very modest offering of complimentary toiletries; namely shower gel and shampoo; the latter of a quality that transformed my hair into straw - eek! I also had to ask reception for a bath robe and slippers which I knew, based on a previous visit, should have been provided as standard. What's more, my room sported an unsightly view of the hotel's car park which although wasn't the most attractive backdrop, luckily didn't make for a disruptive night's sleep. On the contrary, the room proved so dark and quiet that only the wake-up call that I'd scheduled brought me out of my subconscious!

Careful timing of one's visit to the gym and pool is required as both are decidedly cosy - they are maintained to a high standard however and the gym has a substantial range of equipment which is of the latest spec. Personally, I took issue with the solitary treadmill, as the woman that opted to run a half-marathon on it before breakfast pretty much killed my routine; and in fact the chances of anyone else getting a look-in! The pool (sans children) is really rather tranquil and open until 11:00pm which is lovely if you're partial to a relaxing swim before descending into sleepy-time! The 'Spa Naturel' is in a separate building to the hotel and offers a wide range of treatments which are averagely priced. I popped in for a brief perusal of the space which was suitably serene - I only wished I'd had more time to indulge in their multi award-winning 'Ultimate Vitamin Glow Facial' which, at £60 for 55 minutes, is quite frankly amazing!

On the subject of dining, it's fair to say that all the usual suspects lurk within the menu - room service comes with a £5 tray change and I'd suggest that a short walk to one of the many nearby eateries would offer a far greater culinary experience, (Byzantium, the Hole in the Wall or Severn Shed to name but a few...) Breakfast was included in my stay and constituted the typical self-serve buffet. Continental and cooked items are to be plated oneself but dishes such as Eggs Benedict can be ordered from the kitchen at no additional cost. That said, if it isn't included in the rate of your room, breakfast comes in at almost £16 which, although unsurprising, is in my view extortionately priced. I mean, unless you have what we shall politely refer to as a 'hearty appetite', you really wouldn't get your money's worth. As an example, I ordered an Illy latte (rather than settling for filter coffee) and filled my boots with yogurt, granola, fruit, toast, pastries and jam; would you pay £16 for that ensemble?

In conclusion, I enjoyed my stay at the Mercure Bristol Holland...oh you know the rest! The brief was escapism and this was amply met - my room was comfortable and clean, staff were helpful and friendly and it was a pleasure to while away the hours in the pool, gym and lounge, (making use of the complimentary WI-FI as I did so). I would suggest that this hotel would better accommodate a family on a visit to Bristol rather than a couple (or lone-wolf) seeking a little luxury but for the overall price of my stay, I was satisfied and as such, I'm sure that I'll re-run the fun as soon as another getaway becomes necessary.

References:
* http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-6698-mercure-bristol-holland-house-hotel-and-spa/index.shtml